REPORT TO THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
June 29, 2016
FROM: JENNIFER K. CLARK, Director
Development and Resource Management Department
THROUGH: KELLI FURTADO, Assistant Director
Development and Resource Management Department
BY: DAN CASEY, Project Manager
Housing and Community Development Division, D.A.R.M.
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to Emergency Solutions Grant Funding:
1) Recommend approval of funding to Marjaree Mason Center in an amount not to exceed
$238,927;
2) Recommend approval of funding to Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission in an amount
not to exceed $60,994;
3) Recommend approval of funding to WestCare California in an amount not to exceed $213,094
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends the Housing and Community Development Commission recommend to the City Council:
1) Approve Program Year 2016 (FY17) Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program funding to the Marjaree Mason Center in the amount of $238,927, to the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission in the amount of $60,994, and to WestCare, California in the amount of $213,094.
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute subrecipient agreements, subject to City Attorney approval as to form.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On February 5, 2016, the City of Fresno announced a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program funding for the City to solicit proposals for: street outreach and emergency shelter; homelessness prevention assistance to households who would otherwise become homeless; assistance to rapidly rehouse persons who are homeless; and related grant administration (up to 2.5% of award). The total funding allocation available for this Program Year is $565,293, with $513,015 made available through the NOFA process.
BACKGROUND
The proposal process began on Friday, February 5, 2016, and ended on Friday, March 4, 2016. Eligible applicants who are members of the Fresno Madera Continuum of Care and participants of the Coordinated Access system were invited to submit proposals for the period of July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2017. On March 7, 2016, the City received proposals from the Marjaree Mason Center, the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission, and WestCare California. Proposals for funding by these three agencies totaled over $700,000 and exceeded the amount available by nearly $200,000. On May 20, 2016, a preliminary review of proposal applications was conducted by City staff and a representative of the Fresno Madera Continuum of Care Executive Committee. The applicants have provided to the City reduced scopes that correspond to the proposed award amount.
Staff recommends award of funding to the Marjaree Mason Center in the amount of $238,927. The Marjaree Mason Center is an active participant in the Fresno Madera Continuum of Care and through the ESG program will provide emergency housing with case management services for victims who have become homeless due to fleeing domestic violence. The Marjaree Mason Center Fresno Safe House will serve five hundred unduplicated homeless women and children within the twelve-month agreement period. The services provided will include emergency housing and supportive services, including food, clothing, case management, counseling, legal assistance, parenting, life skills, support groups, and linkages to housing and job training agencies and programs. Additionally, Marjaree Mason Center will provide rapid rehousing, housing relocation and stabilization services that will support thirty homeless domestic violence victims and families.
Staff recommends award of funding to the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission in the amount of $60,994. The Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission is a non-profit organization widely recognized as one of the largest Community Action agencies in the United States. Founded in 1965, Fresno EOC has spent five decades investing in people in becoming self-sufficient. The Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission, Sanctuary and Youth Services will utilize awarded Emergency Solutions Grant funding to provide services for fifteen individuals with rapid rehousing, homeless prevention and street outreach services during the twelve-month agreement period. The target population to be served includes individuals and families experiencing homelessness, those who are at risk of becoming homeless, unaccompanied youth under the age of eighteen, and youth aging out of foster care. Funding will be used to support outreach efforts, case management, rental assistance, wrap-around case management, and housing stabilization services.
Staff recommends award of funding to WestCare California in the amount of $213,094. WestCare is a nonprofit organization that has provided housing services for the City’s homeless population for over forty years. In collaboration with Turning Point of Central California and the Poverello House, WestCare is focused on housing unsheltered homeless individuals residing in the City of Fresno, including chronically homeless individuals, homeless veterans and persons identified as being at risk of becoming homeless. WestCare’s focus during the agreement period of July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2017, is to assist twenty individuals while continuing to assist forty households that are currently being provided services.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, Section 15378, these items do not qualify as a project and are therefore exempt from CEQA requirements. In addition, the proposed services are not subject to an environmental review under the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act, as they are specifically for supportive services that include, but are not limited to: housing; permanent housing placement; short-term payments for rent; utility costs; and assistance in gaining access to local, state, and federal government housing benefits and services.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not applicable based on conditions of federal funding.
FISCAL IMPACT
The funds were allocated in the 2016 Annual Action Plan for the referenced activities. The funds to carry out the 2016 Annual Action Plan are included in the FY2017 proposed budget.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit A -Marjaree Mason Center Agreement
Exhibit B -Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission Agreement
Exhibit C -WestCare California, Inc. Agreement